Hawaii governor, first lady give emotional update on Maui fires: ‘Lahaina will rise again’

Hawaii Gov. Josh Green (D) said the historic Lahaina Town will “rise again” while giving an update on the recovery effort in the state after devastating wildfires on Maui left over 100 people dead.

“Lahaina will rise again,” Green said during an emotional address from Honolulu Friday night. “It will be a symbol of our resilience, our values and our sacred bonds of Ohana. When it is rebuilt, it will be a living memorial to the loved ones we have lost.”

The wildfires have killed at least 114 people as search efforts continue for those unaccounted for, Maui County officials said Friday night. The Maui Police Department reported 78 percent of the affected area has been searched for casualties with the assistance of cadaver dogs. 

“The numbers of lives we’ve lost has climbed to over 100 and we expect it to increase each day as we continue our search,” Green said, acknowledging the long road ahead for recovery. “This process is agonizing for families waiting for word from their loved ones and heartbreaking for those sifting through the debris.” 

Maui County officials said the wildfires burnt through at least 2,168 acres of land in Lahaina and destroyed or damaged thousands of structures, including the historic banyan tree, which is considered a landmark throughout the state. Planted in April 1873, the tree now covers an entire acre on the town’s historic Front Street.

Many of Front Street’s restaurants, stores and other buildings were likely consumed by the fire as well, the Associated Press reported.

“We have lost the native Hawaiian culture that founded it centuries ago,” Green said. “And the values that will enable us to endure this tragedy and flourish again, like the great banyan tree that survived the fire and still stands among the ruins today.” 

The governor also highlighted the “massive recovery effort” ahead to clean up and rebuild the affected areas on Lahaina and other parts of Maui. 

“We will rebuild Lahaina, it will take years of work and billions of dollars,” Green said. “But we are committed to this effort and together, we will meet this challenge.” 

“Lahaina belongs to its people, and we are committed to rebuilding and restoring it the way they want it,” he continued. “The land in Lahaina is reserved for its people as they return and rebuild.” 

As of Friday night, officials estimated the fire in Lahaina is 90 percent contained, though there is no threat to the public. 

“Tragically, it took less than a single day for us to lose Lahaina in the deadliest fire our country has seen in more than a century,” said Hawaii First Lady Jamie Green.

President Biden and first lady Jill Biden will travel to Maui next week to meet with first responders and tour damage from the wildfires on the island, the White House announced earlier this week. Green said Hawaii is “especially grateful” to the president for his “support and partnership.” 

The Pentagon said Friday it has deployed nearly 700 personnel and 140 U.S. Coast Guard responders to help in the island’s response. Green said the Hawaii National Guard is also continuing to assist in the search and rescue efforts.